ES2867878T3 - Packaging material as a collection item - Google Patents

Abstract

A packaging system, comprising: a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; one or more computer-readable media, storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by said one or more processors, cause the computer system to initiate the production of packaging materials to package one or more items, including the following: receive (301) an identity of one or more items to be packed in a container; initiating retrieval of one or more items from an inventory (201) of items; identifying (302) the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items; calculating (303) a container size of the container, based on the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items, the calculated container size being substantially equal to the three-dimensional dimensions of a three-dimensional arrangement of the one or more items, so that the size of the container accommodates all of the one or more items within the container; producing (304) the container, the container having a size substantially equal to at least the calculated size of the container; initiate recovery of the container; and initiating (305) delivery of the one or more items and the container to a packing station (202), wherein initiating the delivery of the one or more items and the container to the packing station (202) comprises providing instructions for placing the one or more articles and the container in one or more transport mechanisms (205) and coordinate the transport of the one or more articles and the container so that the one or more articles and the container arrive at the packing station (202) about the same time.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Packaging material as a collection item

In the logistics industry, goods are often stored in a warehouse or distribution center, where they are collected, packed, and shipped to meet the content requirements of a specific order. Using conventional packaging means, order logistics typically involves a human operator receiving an order, selecting (and possibly assembling) a shipping container (for example, a corrugated box), picking up the goods (for example, from warehouse shelves), pack the goods into the shipping container, and seal and otherwise prepare the packed container for shipment. In another example, a fulfillment center may include multiple packing stations, where a human operator receives previously picked goods (e.g., goods picked up by another human), selects (and possibly assembles) a shipping container, moves the picked goods prior to the shipping container, and seal and prepare the packaged container for shipment. Conventional packaging mechanisms employ little, if any, automation and may require a large number of packaging stations.

Recent developments in packaging technology have improved the profitability of the logistics process. For example, pAc KSIZE INTERNATIONAL PACKAGING ON DEMAND (Od P) system dynamically produces containers that have a custom arc size for a particular order, optimizing the use of packaging material (eg corrugated cardboard). Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary logistics station 100 that includes a system or Dp 101, and that allows an operator to produce custom-sized containers during the packaging process. Allowing an operator to generate custom containers the size of the items being packed can greatly reduce the amount of packaging material used during the logistics process, can reduce the amount of padding / protective material used during packaging, and You can reduce freight costs (eg postage, shipping) by using smaller shipping containers that are suitable for items packed inside. A high-volume logistics operation can include multiple logistics stations, each including an ODP system.

Even with the efficiencies that ODP systems provide in terms of savings on transport and packaging material, there are still inefficiencies in terms of human error in the use of ODP systems, the downtime spent by ODP systems while an operator performs their tasks. and other capital considerations. For example, the quality of manual work performed by human operators depends to some degree on quick decisions made by the operator (for example, the size of the container required for a particular order). Poor operator decisions can result in shipping containers that are too large, which can lead to excessive shipping costs and excessive use of protective filler. Poor operator decisions can also result in shipping containers that are too small, which can lead to insufficient use of protective padding.

In another example, operators often follow a quality assurance process, such as scanning a barcode of all individual items in an order to ensure that all items in the order are correct and accounted for. Time spent on these quality assurance processes reduces the performance of on-demand canister generation devices as they can remain idle until the packer is ready to generate a new canister. For example, depending on the number of items in an order, it may take a human operator several minutes to pack a single order. During this time, an ODP system, which may be capable of producing a new canister every few seconds, may be idle. Additionally, cycle times (i.e. the time it takes for a human operator to complete an order) can vary according to the order and / or the human operator, leading to unpredictability in the performance of a given ODP system. .

In yet another example, the space occupied by ODP systems, packing material, and other associated equipment and supplies take up valuable space when there are a large number of packing stations and when there is an ODP system, packing material, etc. at each packing station. As such, fulfillment centers must dedicate relatively large amounts of space to packing stations. This space can best be used to store inventory or for other purposes. Likewise, the use of an ODP system at each packing station can immobilize significant capital in terms of equipment value.

Document US 2013/000252 refers to the production of packages on demand. Packaging can be automatically produced on demand and can be sized and configured for use with a custom set of items and / or a custom arrangement of items. In one aspect, the articles are arranged on a resting device and an imaging component obtains images or other data related to that arrangement. Based on the image, the dimensions of the arrangement can be determined and a packaging template, such as a box template, can be designed. The designed template may be of suitable dimensions to contain the articles when arranged in the intended shape on the resting device. A packaging production machine can produce a box jig, on demand, after the box jig has been designed based on the physical arrangement of the items on the resting device.

In view of the above, there is room for improvement in the field of logistics.

Brief summary

At least some embodiments described herein relate to treating packaging as a collection item. For example, embodiments may include generating or selecting a container to pack one or more items from an order, and sending the generated / selected container to a packing station along with the item (s) to be packed in the container. The embodiments can improve efficiency by reducing the time to select a packaging container, allow consolidation of container generation hardware, and focus on tasks performed by a human operator, among other things.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaging system according to claim 1. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of packaging one or more articles according to claim 10.

In some embodiments, an identity is received from one or more items to be packaged in a container. The corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items are identified. A container size of the container is calculated based on the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items. The calculated size of the container is configured to be substantially equal to the group size of one or more items so that the container accommodates all of the one or more items within the container.

This Summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are described in more detail in the Detailed Description below. This Summary is not intended to identify fundamental characteristics or essential characteristics of the claimed object, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Brief description of the drawings

In order to describe how the aforementioned and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more specific description of the invention briefly described above will be presented with reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in attached drawings. For a better understanding, like articles have been designated by like reference numerals throughout the various accompanying Figures. Understanding that these drawings represent only typical embodiments of the invention and, therefore, should not be construed as a limitation of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a logistics station that includes an ODP system.

• Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a fulfillment center that can be used in some embodiments.

• Figure 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of producing packaging materials for packaging one or more items.

Detailed description

At least some embodiments described herein relate to treating packaging (eg, containers, padding and protective material, markings, documents) as a collection item. For example, embodiments may include generating or selecting a container to pack one or more items from an order, and sending the generated / selected container to a packing station along with the item (s) to be packed in the container. The embodiments can improve efficiency by reducing the time to select a packaging container, allow consolidation of container generation hardware, and focus on tasks performed by a human operator, among other things.

For example, embodiments may include a system whereby, when an order is received, one or more items from the order are picked up / retrieved from inventory. In addition, a packaging container of particular size is also collected / retrieved to contain one or more items (and potentially filler and / or protective material). The one or more articles and the packaging container (and potentially the filler and / or protective material) can be delivered to a packaging station at substantially the same time. On the other hand, in case you have more orders listed in front of the packing station, packing can be synchronized with orders on a first-in, first-out principle. In some embodiments, this is done in an automated manner, such as by machinery that picks up the one or more item and picks up and / or generates the packaging container. In some embodiments, the items in an order are picked up on a temporary internal conveyor, which then meets the collected / retrieved packing container at the packing station. In case the carrier can transport more orders, the packages can be classified in the same way. This may be the case for larger boxes / trays, as well as trolleys and pallets and the like. In other embodiments, the items in an order are collected in the collected / retrieved packaging container, which is then sent to the packaging station. Such embodiments are useful in providing an automated system using ODP systems, providing a sequenced flow and / or sequencing of goods and packaging to packing stations.

More particularly, the embodiments are directed to mechanisms that can centralize certain packaging-related machinery, such as ODP stations, filler and protector material dispensers, printers, etc., thus removing that machinery from packaging stations and eliminating a quantity significant workload of the packing stations, so that human operators can concentrate on the task of packing and increase labor efficiency and throughput at the packing station and thus the entire system, i.e. enabling less stations than otherwise. The centralization of machinery provides the ability to balance the work of that machinery between different packing stations, rather than having the machinery idle at each packing station. As such, the throughput of each unit of machinery is increased and the usage of each unit is balanced by the varying cycle times of human operators at the packing stations. In addition, the centralization of machinery allows a logistics center to operate with fewer units of that machinery, thus immobilizing less capital, and allowing a logistics center to remove machinery and its associated materials (for example, corrugated cardboard, filler material , ink, paper, RFID tags) to take up space in each packing station. On the other hand, the centralization of machinery can provide better opportunities for efficient automation.

To achieve the above, embodiments are directed at treating one or more packaging items (eg, containers, padding and protective material, marks, documents) as collection items that are received by an operator at a packaging station, from analogous to collected items to be packed. For example, some embodiments include mechanisms for providing an operator at a packing station with an appropriately sized shipping container, along with the collected goods that the operator will pack into the container. As such, the operator receives the container as if it were a chosen product, and the operator is relieved of the obligations of determining an appropriate container size for an order and any related tasks (for example, determining item sizes, entering a desired container size, etc.).

In one embodiment, the operator may receive previously collected merchandise on a temporary internal conveyor (e.g., tray, box, cart, pallet), along with a container that has been specifically generated for the previously collected merchandise, or that has been determined to It is sized appropriately for previously collected merchandise. The operator can also receive any filling / protective material that is appropriate to pack the goods previously collected in the container. The operator can also receive printed or other items, such as labels, delivery notes, marketing, RFID tags, etc. to be packed with the articles and / or to be attached to the outside of the container. As such, the operator only needs to assemble the container (if necessary) and pack the previously collected goods into the container. In this example, the previously collected goods, the container, and any filler / protector materials or printed items can be shipped to the operator using the same path (eg, same conveyor belt). Alternatively, these items can be delivered to the operator using a plurality of trajectories (eg, different conveyor belts).

In another embodiment, the operator may receive previously collected merchandise in the current container in which it will be packed (for example, a container that has been specifically generated for the previously collected merchandise, or that has been determined to be the appropriate size for the merchandise. previously) collected. The operator may also receive any padding / protective material that is appropriate for packaging the goods previously collected in the container, and / or printed articles. As such, the packer / operator only needs to pack the goods previously collected in the container.

In some embodiments, a packaging container is received at a flat packaging station. For example, if the packaging container is received on an internal conveyor, it can be placed on a support, therefore specifically designed (for example, on the side of a cart, box, tray, or pallet). If the conveyor can handle more orders, the support can accommodate more packages, preferably arranged in the same sequence as the orders on the conveyor, all in order to make the packing process more efficient. Alternatively, the flat-pack container can be received on a conveyor, either a specific one for the packaging material (i.e., a hanging conveyor system) or the same conveyor on which the goods are received. In other embodiments, a packaging container is received at an erected packaging station. For example, if the packing container is received on an internal conveyor, it can be placed inside a box or tray, and it can be on top of the goods, face down on the goods, or with the top flaps folded back to reduce height. . Alternatively, the assembled packing container can be received only on one conveyor (either a specific one for the packing material or the same conveyor that is used for the goods).

Figure 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a fulfillment center 200 that may be employed in some embodiments. In the illustrated arrangement, the fulfillment center 200 includes an inventory area 201 that can be used to store inventory of items that can eventually be packed and shipped from the fulfillment center 200. The inventory area 201 can include shelves, racks, trays , or the like that can be used to store and / or classify items in inventory.

The illustrated logistics center 200 also includes multiple packing stations 202 (eg, 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d) where operators can pack previously collected merchandise into containers. In the illustrated embodiment, the packaging stations 202 are arranged adjacent to each other and at least somewhat remote from the packaging area. inventory 201. This is just by way of example. For example, packing stations 202 may be located remote from each other. In some embodiments, packaging stations 202 may be located adjacent to and / or distributed around inventory area 201.

As outlined herein, a fulfillment center can be more efficient if one ODP system supplies containers to multiple packing stations, rather than providing each packing station with a dedicated ODP system that can remain idle for most of the time. weather. Accordingly, the illustrated fulfillment center 200 includes an ODP 203 system that supplies containers to all packing stations 202. Similarly, the illustrated fulfillment center 200 includes an area 204 in which filler / protective materials, labels, packing slips , marketing, RFID tags, etc. they can be stored and / or printed. Although area 204 and ODP 203 are shown separate and apart from each other, in some embodiments, area 204 and ODP 203 can be incorporated into a single system or area.

The illustrated fulfillment center 200 also includes conveyors 205 (eg, 205a, 205b) that can be used to transport items from inventory area 201 to packing stations 202 and / or transport containers from ODP system 203 to packing stations. 202. For example, items previously collected from inventory area 201 may be transported to packing stations 202 via conveyor 205a. During the transportation of the previously collected items, a container (for packing the previously collected items) from the ODP 203 system can be added to the previously collected items so that the previously collected items and the container arrive together at the packing stations. Alternatively, previously collected items can be transported to packaging stations 202 via conveyor 205a while a container (for packaging previously collected items) from ODP 203 can be transported to packaging stations 202 via conveyor 205b. The filler / protective materials, labels, delivery notes, marketing, RFID tags, etc. they can be similarly transported from area 204 to packing stations 202 via conveyors 205, either with previously collected items and / or containers or separately.

In view of the above, Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary method 300 for producing and distributing packaging materials to package one or more items.

The method 300 comprises an action 301 of receiving an identity of one or more articles. Action 301 may include receiving an identity of one or more items to be packaged in a container. For example, a computer system may receive an order, such as a purchase order, that includes a plurality of items.

The method 300 comprises an action 302 of identifying three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more articles. Action 302 may include identifying the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items. In some embodiments, the computer system looks up the dimensions of the one or more items in a database. In other embodiments, the computer system prompts the user to enter the dimensions of the one or more items manually. In still other embodiments, the individual or collective dimensions of the one or more items can also be measured in a manual or automated process (eg, with stationary or online 3D scanners).

The method 300 comprises an action 303 of calculating the size of a container based on the three-dimensional dimensions. Action 303 may include calculating a container size of the container based on the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items, the calculated container size being substantially equal to the three-dimensional dimensions of a three-dimensional arrangement of the one or more items. , so that the size of the container accommodates all of the one or more items within the container. For example, if the one or more items include a single item, the computer system can calculate a container size that is substantially equal to the size of the individual article so that the container can accommodate the individual article, while potentially accounting for filler material or protective.

Frequently, the one or more articles may comprise a plurality of articles. In such a case, the computer system can determine a three-dimensional arrangement of the articles and calculate a container size that is substantially equal to the three-dimensional dimensions of the three-dimensional arrangement of the articles so that the container conforms to the three-dimensional arrangement. , while potentially accounting for padding or protective material (around items and / or between items). As such, the method 300 may include calculating a three-dimensional arrangement of the plurality of articles based on the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the plurality of articles, calculating the three-dimensional dimensions of the three-dimensional arrangement of the plurality of articles. Then, calculating the container size of the container comprises calculating a container size that is substantially equal to the calculated three-dimensional dimensions such that the container conforms to the three-dimensional dimensions of the three-dimensional arrangement of the plurality of articles.

In some embodiments, the calculated three-dimensional arrangement of the plurality of items is communicated to a human operator, digitally or in print, to assist the operator in packing the items in the container. Such communication may include illustrations, an order in which the items must be packed, considerations special for some items (for example, a notice that an item is dangerous or fragile, instructions for using additional protective material for a fragile item, instructions for placing an item in a certain orientation in the container (for example, placing an item containing liquid in a vertical orientation in the container)), etc. In some cases, the communications are printed instructions or illustrations. In other examples, communications are presented on a screen to an operator at a packing station. In still other cases, the communications may include operator training to package items in containers in a specific way. For example, operators may be trained to pack liquids containing articles in a vertical orientation in a container or to pack fragile articles in the center of the container. Therefore, such communications can be considered protective materials.

In some embodiments, the three-dimensional arrangement of the plurality of articles is calculated to minimize the volume occupied by the plurality of articles. However, other layout goals can be utilized, such as ease of packaging, weight distribution considerations, brittleness / durability considerations, creating a layout to fit pre-existing containers, desired item orientation (vertical orientation of items containing liquid), etc.

Method 300 comprises an action 304 of producing a container. Law 304 may include container production, the container having a size that is substantially equal to the calculated container size. For example, the computer system can initiate the production of a container with an ODP system, or it can select a pre-made container from an inventory. As such, when a container is to be produced, action 304 may include initiating production of the container, with the container having the determined container size. Alternatively, when a container is to be selected from an inventory, action 304 may include associating one or more items with a particular container that already exists within a container inventory, the particular container having a size that is substantially equal to the size calculated from the container.

The method 300 comprises an action 305 of initiating the transport of one or more articles and / or the container. As part of action 304, the computer system may initiate the shipment of one or more items and a particular container that has at least the calculated container size to a packing station. For example, the computer system can provide instructions to a machine or human user to place the articles and the container on one or more transport mechanisms, such as conveyors. In some embodiments, action 304 initiates the transportation of the one or more items and the container such that the one or more items and the container are transported together to the packing station. In other embodiments, action 304 initiates the transportation of the one or more items and the container such that the one or more items and the container are transported separately to the packing station. In such embodiments, action 304 may also include coordinating the transportation of the one or more items and the container such that the one or more items and the container arrive at the packing station at approximately the same time.

Additional embodiments include calculating an amount of filler / protector material needed to pack items of an order in a given container. For example, in connection with calculating the dimensions of the articles to be packed in a container, a computer system can calculate the amount of padding / protective material that is appropriate for packing the articles in the container. Calculating such amounts of padding / shielding material may include calculating an amount of padding / shielding material that must surround an article or group of articles, and an amount of padding / shielding material that must be used between the articles.

In some embodiments, the computer system searches (eg, a database) or prompts the user for data on the durability / brittleness of an item or items. This durability / brittle data can be used to adjust the type and / or amount of filler / protector material used. Some implementations employ a feedback loop, using actual customer and / or carrier data that specifies whether a specific item or specific shipment has had problems before. Therefore, if an item / shipment has had problems in the past, it can be determined that a higher level of protection is needed. Factors affecting the level of protection could include variation in the content of the shipment, variation in the quantity and / or type of protective materials used, and / or packaging design, brittle marks or variation in distance. shipping and / or route to destination. Similarly, in some embodiments, the computer system searches (eg, a database) or prompts the user for data regarding the one or more desired packaging positions / orientations for the items. This data can be used to adjust how the one or more items are packed or packed in the container.

Accordingly, the method 300 may include an action of calculating an amount of protective packaging material for use when one or more items are packed within the container. In addition, the method 300 may include an action of initiating the shipment of protective packaging material to the packaging station along with one or more items and the particular container. For example, a center fill dispensing machine may dispense a suitable amount of padding / shield material to pack one or more items in a container, and send that padding / shield material to a packing station (for example, by instruction to a human or a computer to place the filling in a transport, in the container, etc.). In some embodiments, the packaging instructions are printed regarding how the one or more items are to be packaged in the container (eg, wrapped in protective material, orientation / arrangement of the articles in the container). In some embodiments, the packing instructions are sent to a display at a packing station for a operator can see the instructions on the screen.

As described above, embodiments may also include providing printed material, identification items, etc. such as a collection item. For example, in connection with the processing of an order for one or more items, the computer system may initiate the generation of shipping labels, RFID tags, postage, advertising, and so on. for use in connection with container packaging. As such, the method 300 may include an action of initiating the shipment of printed material to the packing station along with one or more items and the particular container, and / or an action of initiating the shipment of a digital identification tag to the packaging station. packing station together with the one or more articles and the particular container.

As an example, in one implementation, an order is received for one or more items. The order can be from a customer who wants to buy one or more items. As part of receiving the order, the identity of one or more items is identified. With the identity of one or more items identified, the one or more items are selected from an inventory of items. For example, warehouse personnel or an automated system (eg conveyors, robots, etc.) can retrieve or pick up one or more items from warehouse shelves or the like.

Before or during the collection process, the three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items can be identified, as discussed herein. Likewise, before or during the collection process, the size of a container can be calculated based on the three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items, as also described herein. The container of the calculated size can be selected from a container inventory or can be produced (eg, by an ODP station).

In some embodiments, warehouse personnel or automated system picking up one or more items retrieves or also picks up the selected / produced container while picking up one or more items. In other embodiments, warehouse personnel or the automated system collecting the one or more items retrieve or collect the selected / produced container after the one or more items have been collected. Similarly, warehouse personnel or the automated system may also retrieve or collect other packaging items (eg, padding and protective material, marks, documents) during or after picking up the one or more items. In still other embodiments, the one or more items and the selected / produced container are collected by warehouse personnel or separate automated systems.

Once the one or more items and the selected / produced container are collected, the one or more articles and the selected / produced container are delivered to a packing station (for example, by one or more warehouse personnel or automated systems ). At the packing station, the selected / produced container is assembled, if necessary. The one or more items are then packed into the assembled container, along with any necessary filler and protective materials and documents (eg, receipt, packing slip, etc.). The container can then be sealed and, if necessary, labeled (eg with a shipping label) and shipped.

The above embodiments eliminate the need for an ODP system, fill dispensers, and printers at each packing station. Instead, these items can exist in a centralized location and can be used to provide containers and other materials to a plurality of packing stations. As such, ODP systems can be used to their full extent, given current demand. Separating ODP systems and other hardware from packing stations can reduce the total number of ODP systems required to generate containers for a given logistics workload and can lead to savings in real estate and capital expenditures. This also eliminates the need to store bulky packaging material (eg containers, corrugated cardboard, etc.) at packing stations, leading to even more real estate savings.

While the object has been described in specific language of structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the object defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the features or actions described above, or to the order of actions described above. . Rather, the features and actions described are described as exemplary forms of implementation of the claims.

Embodiments of the present invention may comprise or utilize a general-purpose or special-purpose computing system that includes computing hardware, such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed in greater detail below. . Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include physical and other computer-readable media for transporting or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available medium that can be accessed through a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions and / or data structures are computer-readable media. Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions and / or data structures are transmission media. Thus, by way of example and not limitation, embodiments of the invention may comprise at least two distinctly different types of computer-readable media: computer storage media and transmission media.

Computer storage media are physical storage media that store instructions executable by computer and / or data structures. Physical storage media includes computer hardware, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid state drives ("SSD"), flash memory, phase change memory ("PCM"), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage device (s) that can be used to store program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, which can be accessed and executed by a computer system general purpose or special purpose to implement the disclosed functionality of the invention.

The transmission media may include a network and / or data links that can be used to transport program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or computer-based computer system. special purpose. A "network" is defined as one or more data links that allow the transport of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or other communications connection (whether wired, wireless, or a combination of wired or wireless) to a computer system, the computer system may view the connection as a transmission medium. . Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Also, upon reaching various components of the computer system, the program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be automatically transferred from the transmission media to the computer storage media (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be stored in RAM within a network interface module (eg, a "NIC"), and finally it is then transferred to the computer system RAM and / or the less volatile computer storage medium in a computer system. Thus, it should be understood that computer storage media can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) use transmission media.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data that, when executed on one or more processors, cause a general-purpose computer system, special-purpose computer system, or special-purpose processing device to perform a certain function. or group of functions. Computer-executable instructions can be, for example, binary, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, desktop computers, portable computers, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems. , programmable or microprocessor-based consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframes, mobile phones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, and the like. The invention can also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems, which are linked (either by wired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of wired data links and wireless devices) over a network perform both tasks. As such, in a distributed system environment, a computer system can include a plurality of constituent computer systems. In a distributed system environment, program modules can be located on both local and remote memory storage devices.

The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description.

Claims (15)

1. A packaging system, comprising: a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; one or more computer-readable media, storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by said one or more processors, cause the computer system to initiate the production of packaging materials to package one or more items, including the following: receiving (301) an identity of one or more items to be packaged in a container; initiating retrieval of one or more items from an inventory (201) of items; identifying (302) the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items; calculating (303) a container size of the container, based on the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items, the calculated container size being substantially equal to the three-dimensional dimensions of a three-dimensional arrangement of the one or more items, so that that the size of the container accommodates all of the one or more items within the container; producing (304) the container, the container having a size substantially equal to at least the calculated size of the container; initiate recovery of the container; and initiating (305) delivery of the one or more items and the container to a packing station (202), wherein initiating the delivery of the one or more items and the container to the packing station (202) comprises providing instructions for placing the one or more articles and the container in one or more transport mechanisms (205) and coordinate the transport of the one or more articles and the container so that the one or more articles and the container arrive at the packing station (202) about the same time. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more items comprise a plurality of items, the method further comprising: calculating a three-dimensional arrangement of the plurality of articles, based on the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the plurality of articles; and calculating the three-dimensional dimensions of the three-dimensional arrangement of the plurality of articles, wherein calculating the container size of the container comprises calculating a size of the container that is substantially equal to the three-dimensional dimensions of the three-dimensional arrangement of the plurality of articles. The packaging system according to claim 2, wherein the calculation of the three-dimensional arrangement of the plurality of articles comprises at least one of: allocating a space between at least two of the plurality of items to accommodate the protective packaging material; or allocating a space surrounding the three-dimensional arrangement of the plurality of items to accommodate the protective packaging material; or calculating the three-dimensional arrangement of the plurality of articles to minimize a volume occupied by the plurality of articles. The packaging system according to any of claims 1-3, further comprising calculating an amount of protective packaging material for use, when one or more items are packed within the container. The packaging system according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the production of the container comprises: starting the production of the container, the container having the calculated container size. 6. The packaging system according to any of claims 1-5, further comprising at least one of: initiating the shipment of protective packaging material to the packaging station (202) along with the one or more items and the particular container; or initiating delivery of printed material to the packaging station (202) along with the one or more items and the particular container; or initiate the sending of a digital identification tag to the packing station (202) along with the one or more items and the particular container. 7. The packaging system of any of claims 1-6, further comprising: a transportation system (205), having one or more transportation channels (205a, 205b); a container generator, which is configured to generate packaging containers in accordance with the dimensions received, and to ship any generated packaging container in the transport system (205); and the computer system being configured to generate one or more instructions and to send one or more instructions to the container generator, in order to initiate container production, wherein, upon receipt of one or more instructions, the container generator produces the container and sends the container to the transport system (205). The packaging system of claim 7, wherein the computer system is also configured to generate one or more additional instructions in order to initiate an automatic selection of one or more items. The packaging system according to claims 7 or 8, further comprising a filler dispenser, which is configured to dispense filler material in accordance with received instructions, and to ship any filler material distributed in the packaging system. transport (205), and where the computer system is also configured to: calculate the amount of filler to use when packing one or more items in the container; and generate one or more additional instructions and send one or more additional instructions to the filler distributor, to initiate the distribution of the calculated quantity of filler, where upon receiving one or more additional instructions, the filler distributor distributes the calculated quantity of filler and sends the calculated amount of fill to the conveyor system (205). 10. A method of packing one or more items, comprising: retrieving one or more items from an order from an inventory (201); custom-generate (304) a packaging container for one or more items, the packaging container having a size that is substantially equal to the three-dimensional dimensions of a three-dimensional arrangement of the one or more items, so that the packaging container can contain the one or more items; retrieve the packaging container; and delivering (305) the one or more items and the packaging container to a packaging station (202) by placing the one or more articles and the packaging container on one or more transport mechanisms (205) and coordinating the transport of the one or more articles and from the packaging container such that the one or more articles and the packaging container arrive at the packaging station (202) at approximately the same time. The method of claim 10, further comprising: recovering the filler and / or protective material for use: when packing one or more items in the packaging container; and deliver the filling and / or protection material to the packing station (202). The method of claim 10, wherein one or more items, the packaging container, and the filler and / or protective material are delivered substantially simultaneously to the packaging station (202). The method of any of claims 10-12, wherein one or more items and the packaging container are delivered substantially simultaneously to the packaging station (202) via the same channel. The method of any of claims 10-12, wherein one or more items and the packaging container are delivered substantially simultaneously to the packaging station (202) through different channels. The method of any of claims 10-12, further comprising employing a feedback loop, which adjusts the protection level of the one or more items, based on at least one previous shipment, wherein adjusting the protection level includes one or more of varying the content of a shipment, of varying the quantity and / or type of protective materials used, and / or the design of the packaging, the fragility marks or the variation of the shipping distance and / or from the route to the destination.